Natural Resources Specialist I/ II, Clark County Community Development
Clark County
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Benefits offered by this job
Job summary
Clark County is seeking an entry to journey level Natural Resources Specialist to support environmental impact areas and regulatory administration of critical areas. The role involves plan reviews, site analyses, wetland identification and habitat evaluation within the Community Development context.
The position requires a four-year degree in environmental-related fields and may require progression to more advanced responsibilities with experience and a valid driver’s license for higher levels.
Qualifications
- Graduation from a four-year college or university with a major in environmental science or related field.
- One year of experience in a position comparable to Natural Resources Specialist I; valid driver’s license for II.
Responsibilities
- Assists with, develops and executes work projects and programs.
- Reviews and analyzes plans and proposed development activity in relation to critical areas and regulatory compliance.
- Conducts site visits and inspections; gathers, analyzes and synthesizes data.
- Responds to inquiries and provides input on plans and permit activity to applicants, County departments, external agencies, consultants, and the public.
- Assists in implementing environmental monitoring programs and projects.
- Assists in enforcing county ordinances related to environmental regulations.
Skills
Education
Job description
Natural Resources Specialist I: This is the entry level in the Natural Resources Specialist classification series. This is professional and technical assistance work in support of various departmental projects and programs within Clark County, specifically related to environmental impact areas and with emphasis on environmental resource plans, programs, policies, and administration of critical areas regulations.
Natural Resources Specialist II: This is the journey or fully experienced level in the Natural Resources Specialist classification series. This is professional and technical assistance work in support of various departmental projects and programs within Clark County, specifically related to environmental impact areas and with emphasis on environmental resource plans, programs, policies, and administration of critical areas regulations. This is a professional and technical position in support of Wetland and Habitat Review in the Community Development Department, related to environmental impact areas and with emphasis on environmental resource plans, programs, policies, and administration of critical areas regulations. The position is responsible for performing plan reviews, site analyses, wetland identification and characterization; assessing habitat functions and values; identifying compatible land uses and their respective effects on ecological functions; understanding appropriate mitigation measures to restore or replace ecological functions; and working with other County departments, local municipalities, external agencies, technical consultants, and the community.
Graduation from a four-year college or university with major course work in environmental science, botany, biology, fisheries, forestry, soil science, water resources, wildlife biology, archeology, cultural resources, or in any other discipline applicable to the requirements of the position; OR Any combination of education and experience which would demonstrate the ability to satisfactorily perform the work will be considered.
- Planning principles, techniques, and current trends in the areas of environmental, natural, archeological and cultural resource management;
- environmental laws;
- methods and objectives of urban and regional planning and development, land use concepts, demography;
- water quality and water resource data gathering and analytical tools, methods, and operation;
- water quality and water resource concepts and theory;
- wetland ecology, hydrology, plants and soils, wetland classification systems, and habitat behavior;
- farming practices and their potential impacts on fish and wildlife;
- applicable Federal, State and local laws, regulations, policies and procedures;
- graphic and statistical presentations.
- Think conceptually, observe and evaluate trends, analyze data, and draw logical conclusions;
- communicate effectively, orally and in writing;
- gather, analyze, evaluate and synthesize data and assist in the formulation of comprehensive plans;
- identify plant and soil classification;
- interpret habitat behavior in the field;
- collect, analyze biological and physical data using standard research methodology;
- perform field work to collect environmental samples;
- meet and work with co-workers, public and private management officials, community groups, and the general public in an effective, pleasant and courteous manner;
- interpret and apply administrative guidelines and policy;
- read a variety of maps, plans and charts;
- make oral presentations to large groups of people.
Graduation from a four-year college or university with major course work in environmental science, botany, biology, fisheries, forestry, soil science, water resources, wildlife biology, archeology, cultural resources, or in any other discipline applicable to the requirements of the position; any combination of education and experience which would demonstrate the ability to satisfactorily perform the work will be considered AND One (1) year experience in a position comparable to Natural Resources Specialist I; AND Qualified candidates must have a valid driver’s license.
- Planning principles, techniques, and current trends in the areas of environmental, natural, archeological and cultural resource management;
- environmental laws;
- methods and objectives of urban and regional planning and development, land use concepts, demography;
- water quality and water resource data gathering and analytical tools, methods, and operation;
- water quality and water resource concepts and theory;
- wetland ecology, hydrology, plants and soils, wetland classification systems, and habitat behavior;
- farming practices and their potential impacts on fish and wildlife;
- applicable Federal, State and local laws, regulations, policies and procedures;
- graphic and statistical presentations.
- Think conceptually, observe and evaluate trends, analyze data, and draw logical conclusions;
- communicate effectively, orally and in writing;
- gather, analyze, evaluate and synthesize data and assist in the formulation of comprehensive plans;
- identify plant and soil classification;
- interpret habitat behavior in the field;
- collect, analyze biological and physical data using standard research methodology;
- perform field work to collect environmental samples;
- meet and work with co-workers, public and private management officials, community groups, and the general public in an effective, pleasant and courteous manner;
- interpret and apply administrative guidelines and policy;
- read a variety of maps, plans and charts;
- make oral presentations to large groups of people.
- Assists with, develops and executes work projects and programs.
- Reviews and analyzes plans and proposed development activity in relation to its impact on critical areas and to ensure compliance with applicable regulations.
- Conducts site visits and inspections; gathers, analyzes and synthesizes data.
- Responds to inquiries and provides input and direction on preparation of plans and permit activity relating information to applicants, County departments, external agencies, technical consultants, and the public.
- Assists in implementing a variety of environmental monitoring programs and projects.
- Assists in the enforcement of violations of County ordinances relating to federal, state and local guidelines and procedures.
- Represents the County on various committees; at neighborhood organization or community meetings; at public hearings; and before other agencies.
- Evaluates program and project accomplishments against established goals and timetables, and makes recommendations.
- Assists in preparing special studies, summaries, statistical data, presentations, and reports.
- Trains, assists, and coordinates the activities of volunteers and the equivalent of less experienced employees.
- Performs other related duties as assigned.
- Assists in communicating, verbally and in writing, water resources issues in a concise manner.
- Performs water quality and benthic macro invertebrate monitoring; operates temperature and stream stage loggers and data recorders; operates automatic sampling equipment; collects stream discharge measurements; and observes and measures stream physical habitat characteristics using a variety of equipment and instruments.
- Maintains and calibrates field instruments and equipment; ensures vehicle and boat maintenance; prepares for field work; and oversees shipment of samples.
- Maintains and operates the Monitoring Resource Center equipment lending library.
- Conducts site visits to determine or verify the presence of fish and wildlife habitats.
- Prepares, reviews, and analyzes habitat mitigation plans.
- Analyzes the proposed development activity in relation to its impact on fish and wildlife habitat.
- Provides input and direction to consultants on preparation of habitat reports, or habitat restoration and/or mitigation plans.
- Responds to questions and inquiries from the general public about ecological processes and habitat.
- Conducts site visits to determine or verify the presence of wetlands, including the determination of wetland categories.
- Conducts reviews of wetland delineation reports and function assessments.
- Verifies and conducts wetland delineations, including delineations conducted on problem or disturbed area sites.
- Analyzes the proposed development activity in relation to its impact on the wetlands.
- Provides input and direction to consultants on preparation of wetlands delineations, wetland delineation reports or wetland restoration and/or mitigation plans.
- Responds to questions and inquiries from the general public about wetlands and wetland regulations.
- Conducts site visits, and analyzes and evaluates environmental impacts of forest practices.
- Conducts forest studies of a technical nature to facilitate forest management programs.
- Provides advice and assistance regarding implementation of Forest Practices Act; regulates forest activities to ensure compliance with the act by reviewing and accepting or rejecting applications and plans, conducting compliance inspections, taking enforcement actions, and recommending final release from forest practices obligations.
- Conducts site visits to determine or verify the presence of cultural materials.
- Prepares, reviews, and analyzes cultural resource reports.
- Analyzes the proposed development activity in relation to its impact on cultural resources.
- Provides input and direction to consultants on preparation of cultural resource reports.
- Responds to questions and inquiries from the general public about cultural resources and archeological regulations.
Salary Grade Local 307.8A - Local 307.9A Salary Range $30.58 - $44.90- per hour.
Open Until Filled
Clark County is an equal opportunity employer committed to providing equal opportunity in employment, access, and delivery of all county services. Clark County’s Equal Employment Opportunity Plan is available at http://www.clark.wa.gov/human-resources/documents.
- medical
- vision and dental insurance
- paid leave
- flexible spending accounts
- life insurance and long-term disability
- retirement
- deferred compensation
Some types of employees in some positions and bargaining units might have different benefits and additional compensation.
More specific benefit information for the different bargaining units can be found at https://clark.wa.gov/human-resources/employee-benefits.
Also please refer to the specific bargaining unit contract for additional compensation at https://clark.wa.gov/human-resources/documents.
All Clark County employees must participate in a WASHINGTON STATE RETIREMENT SYSTEM PLAN (PERS, PSERS or LEOFF). Employee contributions begin the first day of work. Current contribution rates vary by plan but could range from 5% to 15% of gross pay, depending on the plan choice. For additional information, check out the Department of Retirement Systems' web site here: http://www.drs.wa.gov/. If you are in need of ADA/Section 504 assistance for accommodations, please contact Human Resources at (564) 397-2456; Relay (800) 833-6388.
Employment References may be conducted for the final candidates, including verification of education.
With its great natural beauty, Clark County, Washington, always has attracted people and businesses. We welcome those who visit and settle here, providing fresh perspectives, growing diversity and vibrant energy. Our forward-looking community is framed by the scenic Cascade Range to the east and the majestic Columbia River to the south and west. The area is a picturesque place to work, play, and live. Named for Captain William Clark of Lewis and Clark Expedition fame, our county is one of the fastest growing regions in Washington state and the Portland, Oregon, metropolitan area. Today, more than 467,000 people call Clark County home. Clark County government works to enhance the quality of life for all of our diverse community by providing services with integrity, openness and accountability. We are one of the county's largest employers, providing a wide range of rewarding careers for about 1,570 people.
You can get more information about job descriptions, pay schedule and employee benefits on the Clark County Human Resources website at www.clark.wa.gov/human-resources.
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